Interview: Rising 2021 JSerra ATH Samuel Green Talks Season and No. 3 Mater Dei Showdown

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Fans of JSerra Catholic football have a lot to be excited about, this year and going forward. The Lions are 7-1 on the season ranked No. 5 in the nation with an opportunity to move up in the rankings next week with a showdown on Friday against No. 3 nationally ranked Mater Dei. Regardless of the outcome against the Monarchs or in the 2018 playoffs, the team has a roster filled with talented underclassmen like 2021 athlete Samuel Green who can keep the winning ways rolling for years to come.

There will be big shoes to fill on the Lions’ roster next season when seniors like quarterback Caden Bell, receivers Munir McClain, Tyler Shimomura, and Tarik Luckett, lineman Ryan Suliafu and defenders Victor Clanton, Shawn Nielsen, and Calvin Mouisset matriculate onto college campuses. With a returning starting talent like Green, the Lions have a two-in-one player capable of filling roles on offense at running back and receiver and on defense at corner. Even with a senior laden roster, Green has made a tremendous impact this season coming up with 13 tackles, 11 solo, and has broken up one pass on defense and has rushed for 111 yards on 14 carries with two scores playing behind Class of 2020 tailback Chris Street in stats posted through six games.

The Lions have earned their way into MaxPreps’ Top 5 with wins over Calabasas, Bishop Amat, Pinnacle (AZ), Faith Lutheran (NV), and Orange Lutheran. Their one loss was against No. 1 St. John Bosco, a seven-point road loss (35-28). Even with the No. 5 ranking, perhaps there is still a lack of respect given to the team overall this year but all of that can be mitigated with a win over Mater Dei. In a Recruiting News Guru in-season catch-up interview, I got a few minutes with Green to talk about his growing skillset and got insight to the upcoming Mater Dei collision.

*Click link for Sept. 16, 2018, RNG video interview with Samuel Green

Interview

Sammy, how is the season coming along for you?

“The season is coming along great. I am enjoying it. I am enjoying playing with my teammates.”

You’ve been a key contributor to the team in all three phases of the game this year on the No. 5 ranked team in the country. How does that motivate you each week in practice?

“It motivates me a lot. I think we could be No. 1 by the end of the season – I really do. We put a lot of work and effort into our team. We shocked the world losing by just a touchdown to Bosco. I think we can keep shocking people through the playoffs.”

Which areas are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game?

“My back pedal and coverage. On offense, my overall speed and game IQ has improved a lot.”

Looking ahead, when the season is over what will be the main focuses of your offseason workouts?

“I need to get bigger, stronger, and faster.”

The Lions just got a 56-21 statement win over Orange Lutheran, how did that game go for you?

“It went well. I played a lot of different positions against Orange Lutheran and I scored on a 25-yard touchdown run.”

You guys have another tough game this week against Mater Dei. What are you expecting from the Monarchs on Friday?

“I am expecting a tough game. I know we can come out with the dub (win).”

An hour before the game, what is Sam like?

“I am focused. I like to have fun, but I think of every game as a regular game. I look forward to playing with my boys and getting the dub.”

Sammy, thanks for your time today and good luck against Mater Dei on Friday.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Sammy Green